Ralston's Leionema - profile

Indicative distribution

Key:

known

predicted

The areas shown in pink and/purple are the sub-regions where the species or community is known or predicted to occur. They may not occur thoughout the sub-region but may be restricted to certain areas. ( click here to see geographic restrictions). The information presented in this map is only indicative and may contain errors and omissions.

Scientific name: Leionema ralstonii

Conservation status in NSW: Vulnerable external link

Commonwealth status: Vulnerable external link

Profile last updated: 14 Apr 2022

Description

Ralston’s Leionema is a shrub up to 1 m tall, with leaves to 5 cm long and 8 mm wide. Leaves have a notch in the blunt tip. Drooping clusters of 4 - 7 flowers grow at the branch tips; each flower has pale green petals with stamens extending well beyond them.

Distribution

Ralston’s Leionema is endemic to the coastal ranges of south-east NSW between Eden and Pambula.

Habitat and ecology

The species is largely confined to dry, rocky habitats. It is most likely to be found in dry shrub communities but can also occur in open forest.
It flowers mainly in winter.
While Ralston’s Leionema can withstand low intensity fires, infrequently burnt areas appear to provide the most suitable habitat.
The species is slow growing, relatively long-lived and possesses an ability to withstand prolonged drought conditions.
Recruitment is continuous but individual populations may be expanding or contracting depending on local competition